Hard-surface disinfection system

#The present invention relates to systems for disinfection of hard-surfaces and related methods thereof and, more particularly, to ultraviolet light disinfection of hard-surfaces.

#Disinfection of the hard surface environment is a key factor in the constant battle to reduce infections. The emergence of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs) throughout the as-built environment poses a significant threat to the health and well-being of people throughout the world. MDROs in the environment contribute to rising health care costs, excessive antibiotic use and premature mortality.

#Disinfecting hard surfaces, such as those found in patient areas, can be performed by exposing the hard surfaces to UVC light that is harmful to micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) is an evidence-based sterilization method that uses ultraviolet (UV) light at sufficiently short wavelengths to break-down and eradicate these organisms. It is believed that the short wavelength radiation destroys organisms at a micro-organic level. It is also believed that UV light works by destroying the nucleic acids in these organisms, thereby causing a disruption in the organisms' DNA. Once the DNA (or RNA) chain is disrupted, the organisms are unable to cause infection. The primary mechanism of inactivation by UV is the creation of pyrimidine dimers which are bonds formed between adjacent pairs of thymine or cytosine pyrimidines on the same DNA or RNA strand.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a system of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a system of the present invention;

#FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a light tower of the present invention;

#Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The terminology used in the detailed description of the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings is not intended to be limiting of the invention. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.

#Referring now to the figures and first to FIG. 1, there is shown an embodiment of a system 10 of the present invention. System 10 generally includes a control station or cart 100 and a plurality of light assemblies or towers 200, shown as loaded onto the cart 100.

#The cart 100 generally includes a carriage 110 supported by a plurality of casters 112, and defining a cutout 114 shaped to receive and secure the towers 200 for transport. The distal end 116 of the cutout 114 is open such that the towers may be easily loaded onto and off of the cart 100. The cutout 114 may include a complete floor (not shown) onto which wheels 202 of the towers 200 (see FIG. 2) may be rolled.